Because of the fastidious and fragile nature of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, careful consideration must be given to proper methods for
collection and transport of specimens for testing. An atmosphere of 3-10% CO2 is required for incubation and transport. An enriched,
selective media is essential for reliable isolation of gonococci which generally needs to be isolated from a variety of microbial flora
including saprophytic Neisseria species.

TESTS OFFERED

Smear for gonorrhea

Culture for gonorrhea

SAMPLE COLLECTION, HANDLING AND SHIPMENT

All specimens must be obtained using the Modified Thayer Martin (MTM) plates and candle cans supplied by the laboratory. Supplies can
be obtained by contacting the laboratory , faxing orders or emailing Labsupplies@state.de.us.

Collect specimen and prepare Smear and Culture plate according to directions listed below.

Arrange transport of candle jar to laboratory using the lab courier, preferably the same day of collection.

For sites without incubators, after culture plates are inoculated the closed candle cans may sit at room temperature until
courier pickup the SAME DAY.

For sites with properly maintained incubators, the candle cans may incubate up to 4 days prior to courier pickup.

Complete the Test Requisition Form including patient information or order request on-line
through our Laboratory information management system (LIMS). Specimen and forms should be placed in a designated location at each site
for the lab courier to pickup.

SAMPLE COLLECTION

ENDOCERVICAL: preferred site for specimens from females.

Specimen collection should be done with a sterile swab or culturette. Cytobrush is not recommended as it may cause trauma and
bleeding that can render the specimen unsatisfactory.

Rotate swab against the wall of the endocervical canal several times for 20-30 seconds and withdraw without touching the vaginal
surface. Inoculate MTM plate as described below.

The order of testing for specimen collection should be GC culture/gram stain, pap smear, then Chlamydia/GC NAAT test. Since the
visible presence of blood may interfere with test results, it is advisable to collect the Pap smear last when using the cytobrush
because of induced bleeding that might occur.

Speculum should be lubricated with water only.

URETHRAL: preferred site in men, or in women with no cervix (e.g. post-hysterectomy).

Delay obtaining specimens until 2 hrs after patient has last voided.

Obtain specimens for gram stain and gonorrhea culture first, BEFORE specimens for chlamydia or pap smear.

Gently insert the urogenital swab into the urethra (women 1-2 cm, men 2-4 cm). Rotate the swab in one direction for at least one
revolution for a minimum of 10 seconds. Withdraw the swab and inoculate MTM plate as described below.

OROPHARYNX (THROAT):

Swab the back of throat and tonsillar area with a sterile swab.

RECTAL:

Insert sterile swab approximately 1-1.5 inches in the anal canal. Move swab from side to side in the anal canal to sample crypts.

Allow swab to remain 10-30 seconds for absorption of organisms onto the swab.

INOCULATION OF SMEAR

Females: smears for gonorrhoeae are not recommended due to presence of large amount of normal microflora present in vagina.

Males: Smears are acceptable for presumptive diagnosis for males.

Write name of patient on frosted end of slide in pencil.

Collect 2 swab specimens, 1 for smear and 1 for culture. Collect specimen using the directions as indicated above, and prepare
slide by rolling swab onto slide into thin smear. Allow to air dry.

Place dried slide with smear side up into cardboard slide mailer prior to placing into plastic
biohazard bag for transport. Place barcode label on the outside of the cardboard container.

INOCULATION OF CULTURE PLATE (MTM)

Roll swab directly on MTM medium in a large "Z" pattern to provide adequate transfer of organisms.

Label culture plate with patient name/barcode and collection date on media side of plate, not the lid which may be
separated from the specimen itself.

Place culture in a candle can as soon as possible (within 15 minutes). Be sure to relight the
candle each time the can is opened. Place can in 35-37 degrees Centigrade incubator if available. If incubator is not available, plates
may stay at room temperature only if transport is to occur the same day.

TESTS

Gonorrhea cultures are incubated for a minimum of 48-72 hours. Growth on MTM is screened for presumptive positives by oxidase test and
gram stain. Positive cultures are confirmed by biochemical identification.

Gonorrhea smears are Gram stained and microscopically examined within 24 hrs of receipt in laboratory.

RESULTS

Gonorrhea smears reports are available within 24 hrs of specimen receipt in lab.

The turnaround time for negative culture results is 72 hrs.

Positive results are available on day of detection, generally 24-48 hrs from the receipt of culture.

Positive results are not routinely called unless specifically requested.

REJECTION

Samples will be rejected if they are:

Unlabeled - All specimens must have a unique patient identifier.

Insufficient in Quantity - No specimen received, no specimen on plate or insufficient specimen to perform testing.

Improperly Preserved - Specimens must be received on MTM culture plates.

Damaged - Specimen broken or damaged in transit.

Too Old - Plates not incubated 35-37 degrees centigrade and received <24 hrs after collection will be rejected. Incubated plates
<4 days old may be unable to confirm.

Overgrown with contaminating organism - Plates so overgrown yeast, Proteus or other contaminating organism will be unable to
determine presence or absence of N. gonorrhoeae.

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